Wednesday, October 13, 2010

James Alfred Sutton


James Alfred Sutton, "Jim," 78, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2010, at the Polidori Hospice House in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. He was born on Jan. 30, 1932, in Fayetteville, Ark., to Charlie and Eula (Couch) Sutton.

Jim fought hard against prostate cancer for more than 18 years, always maintaining an inspiring attitude. He was determined to live his life at full throttle and cherish all of the people who surrounded him. He was very active in his lifetime—a lifeguard as a teen, running over 25 marathons, surfing, sailing, skiing and riding his motorcycles all over the continent. Just a few months back in July, he rode his motorcycle on a day trip from Sun Valley to Stanley, Idaho!

He was a dedicated family man and was blessed with a loving family. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Juana Lupe (Gallardo) Sutton. Jim is also survived by five children, including Mark, 55, of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Christy, 52, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; Ross, 49, and his wife, Kristi; Jim II, 48, and his wife, Nancy, both of Sun Valley, Idaho; and Gary, 47, of Maui, Hawaii. In addition, he has nine grandchildren: Brandon, 32; Ashley, 26; Nicholas, 20; Austin, 20; James III (JT), 17; Sean, 17; Stone, 17; Kein, 17; and Samantha, 14.

Jim and Lupe moved to the Sun Valley area in 1988 when Jim and his sons purchased the GM dealership in Hailey, Idaho. They have lived in Flying Heart Ranch, outside of Hailey, and in Twin Falls over the years. They have always maintained a second residence in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., since 1970 and made it their primary residence in 2003. Prior to moving to Idaho, Jim and Lupe raised their family in Costa Mesa and Capistrano Beach, Calif.

Jim was a successful car dealer since 1951, opening his first car lot in Southgate, Calif. Throughout the years, he had new-car dealerships in Orange County, Calif., and most recently, Sutton & Sons Auto Center in Hailey.

Jim was loved and admired by his family and friends and will be missed; he always enjoyed his life and lived by his life motto of "too much fun!"

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Refuge Country Club in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. All his friends and family are welcome to attend.

Mailing addresses, as well as thoughts, memories and condolences to the family, may be submitted and found online at www.lakehavasumorturary.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to direct any donations to the Hospice of Havasu, www.hospicehavasu.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.




 Local Weather 
Search archives:


Copyright © 2024 Express Publishing Inc.   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.